Petit Potato: A Surreal Biophilic Retreat in Toronto

Immersive bar and restaurant blends nature, fantasy, and urban escape

Located on Bay Street, Petit Potato stands as a striking contrast to Toronto’s glass towers and urban bustle. The design, led by Long Wu with contributions from Derek Yeung, transforms the traditional bar and restaurant concept through a unique blend of organic forms, layered textures, and dynamic lighting. Drawing inspiration from both nature and surrealist art, the space invites guests into a dreamlike environment that blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality.

The interior is divided into three immersive zones: Luminous Lagoon, Ethereal Forest, and Spiritual Cave. Each area offers a distinct sensory journey, utilizing tactile materials such as textured tiles, reflective metals, and natural wood. Dynamic lighting, controlled by smart systems, shifts throughout the day to enhance the atmosphere and mood, ensuring that each visit feels personal and ever-evolving. Upside-down plant installations, achieved through innovative structural solutions, add a whimsical touch while reinforcing the biophilic theme.

Petit Potato’s design addresses the challenge of integrating organic elements within a rigid urban context. Structural columns have been transformed into tree-like forms, seamlessly blending with the environment and supporting the overall narrative of escape and tranquility. The lighting design, a focal point of the project, subtly transitions to create different ambiances without overwhelming the senses, guiding guests through the space’s evolving story.

Spanning approximately 4,435 square feet, the restaurant’s layout ensures easy navigation and clear zoning. Patrons are guided from the calming, aquatic-inspired Luminous Lagoon to the lush Ethereal Forest and finally to the introspective Spiritual Cave. This journey not only provides visual and tactile delight but also fosters relaxation and social interaction, making Petit Potato a true urban sanctuary.

Recognized with a Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, Petit Potato exemplifies excellence in interior space, retail, and exhibition design. The project showcases how art, science, and technology can converge to improve quality of life, offering a meaningful retreat that enriches Toronto’s vibrant dining scene.

Petit Potato stands as a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming everyday spaces. By merging biophilic principles with surreal, immersive storytelling, Long Wu’s creation invites guests to step away from the ordinary and experience a world where nature and imagination coexist in perfect harmony.